A Son in the Royal Line of David
The Identity: A Prince of Jerusalem
Beeliada is listed in the Bible as one of the many sons born to King David while he reigned in Jerusalem. His significance lies in his birthright—being part of the royal family and the extended lineage that was prophesied to remain on the throne forever.
His name, Beeliada, is a Hebrew compound name with a powerful meaning: “Baal knows” or “Baal knows him.” However, due to later theological shifts and a dislike for associating God’s people with the name of the pagan deity Baal, scribes often altered the names of David’s sons to use a reference to Jehovah or El instead.
The Name Change: A Testament to Divine Preference
The biblical text confirms this name change, as Beeliada is mentioned in two different lists of David’s sons:
- 1 Chronicles: He is named Beeliada:”And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphelet.” (1 Chronicles 14:7, KJV)
- 2 Samuel: In the corresponding list in the Book of Samuel, the same son is named Eliada:”And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet.” (2 Samuel 5:16, KJV)
The name Eliada means “God knows” or “God has known.” The alteration of Beeliada to Eliada is generally understood as an inspired theological correction, demonstrating the Hebrew reluctance to permanently honor the name of a Canaanite idol (Baal) within the sacred royal genealogy.
The Legacy: Submitting to the True God
Beeliada’s (or Eliada’s) legacy is tied to the spiritual principle embodied by the change of his name. While he held the status of a prince, his identity in the canonical record teaches a critical lesson:
- Purity of Worship: It underscores the need to purge the things of God from any contamination by the profane or the idolatrous, even down to the names of the King’s children.
- The Line of Promise: He stands as one of the many links in the royal line of David, the lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come, proving that God preserves His promise even amidst the complex internal politics and naming conventions of the royal court.
Beeliada’s life, known primarily through his name, remains a silent witness to the tension between the world’s customs and the demand for pure devotion to the true God.